Donegal burgler jailed for six months, driver gets probation

A 20-year-old man described as “the mastermind” behind a two month-long series of burglaries was jailed today for six months.
His 21-year-old driver was remanded for a Probation report and was told to pay almost €4,000 compensation before he is considered for a jail term or community service.
Donegal District Court was told the burglar, Karl Leydon, and his driver Shane Curley, were fully-equipped with burglary gear.
Inspector Denis Joyce said they had a getaway car, balaclavas, screwdrivers, backpacks and gloves.
A total of over €5,000 of electronic goods and motor parts was taken and only €1,100 of property was recovered.
The court heard that Leydon had previous convictions, including two for burglary.
He said he committed the robberies to repay a drug-dealer. He was now combating his drug problem and was in a FAS course.
Judge Kevin Kilrane was told that Curley, who did a good leaving certificate examination four years ago, had no previous convictions. He became involved in the robberies to repay a €700 car repair bill.
He now helped his mother run her bar in Ardara.
Leydon, of Springfield Park, Dunkineely, was jailed for six months when he admitted thefts of motor accessories, power tools and boat-parts between March 17^th and May 25^th last year in Mountcharles, Inver, Dunkineely, and Donegal town.
Curley, of Benroe, Bruckless, Dunkineely, who admitted similar offences, was remanded for a probation report until July 26^th. He was ordered to pay compensation for the stolen property.
The judge said he would decide during Curley’s reappearance whether he should do 240 hours community service or go to jail for six months.